The winds of change are swirling around Madison Square Garden as the New York Rangers face an offseason filled with uncertainty and speculation. For a team that soared to the top of the NHL standings just a year ago, the abrupt fall from grace has left fans and analysts alike searching for answers. The disappointment of missing the playoffs for the first time in four seasons has triggered a wave of rumors about the team’s future direction, with bold moves expected from the front office.

At the heart of the conversation is Alexis Lafrenière, the highly-touted first overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft. Once seen as a cornerstone for the franchise, Lafrenière’s journey in New York has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also stretches of inconsistency. Now, as the Rangers embark on a new chapter with a fresh coaching staff and a mandate for change, questions about Lafrenière’s role and future have reached a fever pitch.

Could the Rangers really consider moving on from one of their most promising young talents? As respected voices in the hockey world weigh in, the possibility of a blockbuster trade involving Lafrenière is no longer just idle speculation—it’s a scenario that feels more real with each passing day.

Mar 11, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere (13) skates into the Winnipeg Jets zone during the first period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

Against all odds, the New York Rangers were unable to qualify for the playoffs this season.

After winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year, the Blue Shirts missed the spring dance for the first time in four years, and we should expect a lot of changes during the offseason.

Among the players who could be traded by Rangers general manager Chris Drury is none other than Alexis Lafrenière.

The first overall pick of the 2020 draft, Laffy had a rather ordinary season, and there are growing doubts about whether the former Rimouski Océanic star will ever establish himself as a star player in the National Hockey League.

A Trade Involving Alexis Lafrenière Is Being Floated, According to Renowned Journalist Larry Brooks

A change of scenery could be beneficial for him, and according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, it is indeed possible that Alexis Lafrenière will wear a different jersey than the Rangers’ in 2025-2026.

“Lafrenière’s future is uncertain, but [Artemi] Panarin and [Vincent] Trocheck will both be back.

Their chemistry seems to offer the future head coach a foundation to build upon.”

Larry Brooks

That future head coach is, of course, Mike Sullivan.

The price to acquire Lafrenière could be surprisingly high, again according to Brooks.

As the veteran journalist, who has covered the Rangers for many years, points out, the organization is considering major changes for next season, having already fired head coach Peter Laviolette, and one of those changes could very well involve Lafrenière.

At 23 years old, Alexis Lafrenière recorded 45 points in 82 games this season, as well as 57 points in 82 games the season before.

He spent most of his time on the Rangers’ second line and second power play unit.